The answer is to increase the Lambda function timeout and enable caching on the Lambda authorizer. Increasing the timeout directly addresses the frequent timeouts during peak traffic by giving the authorizer function more time to complete its authentication logic, which is a straightforward performance fix when the logic itself cannot be changed. Enabling caching reduces the number of times the authorizer is invoked for identical tokens, dramatically lowering the load on the function and improving response times for repeat requests. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of API Gateway’s integration with Lambda and the trade-offs between stateless authorization and caching. A common trap is to assume that increasing concurrency or adjusting request validation will help, but concurrency is not the root cause of timeouts, and validation does not affect the authorizer’s execution time. Remember the memory tip: “Timeout and Cache” are the twin levers for authorizer performance—timeout buys time, cache buys silence.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company is using Amazon API Gateway with a Lambda authorizer to authenticate requests. The Lambda authorizer function times out frequently during peak traffic. The company wants to improve authorization performance without changing the authentication logic. Which TWO actions should the company take? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway.
Option A is correct because increasing the Lambda timeout gives more time for authorization. Option C is correct because enabling caching reduces invocations of the authorizer. Option B is wrong because request validation does not affect authorizer performance. Option D is wrong because it does not help the authorizer. Option E is wrong because concurrency is not the issue.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway.
Why this is correct
Caching reduces Lambda invocations for repeated requests.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use AWS WAF to block suspicious requests.
Why it's wrong here
WAF does not help with authorizer performance.
✓
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Why this is correct
More time allows the authorizer to complete under load.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Increase the Lambda reserved concurrency.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is timeout, not concurrency.
✗
Enable request validation in API Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Request validation checks payload, not authorization.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway. — Option A is correct because increasing the Lambda timeout gives more time for authorization. Option C is correct because enabling caching reduces invocations of the authorizer. Option B is wrong because request validation does not affect authorizer performance. Option D is wrong because it does not help the authorizer. Option E is wrong because concurrency is not the issue.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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